What struck me first about Common Ground was the simplicity. Action was bred out of genuine love. Charity was non-existent. That would imply they were handing out to “unfortunates.” The ministry there was spreading the wealth and blessings among friends who, for one reason or another, were having a rough time, just as a family supports those in need. There was no expectation, there was trace evangelism, and there was an overwhelming about of grace. They didn’t need a mission statement. The work of their hands and feet was merely the extension of Christ in their hearts. Common Ground started because they wanted to be a presence in one of the lower income neighborhoods in Shreveport. Cedar Grove is primarily black and very low income. When kids started showing up on their front step, they started tutoring. When hungry people became known, gardens were tended to and meals were prepared. (I’m not sure if this is literally how it went, but it feels as though it was.)
Kellee and I hung out with our new best friends Lomax, Chanel and Joey. They picked me up at the station and took me to visit the outdoor friends and went dumpster diving with Kellee and me. We stayed with the Ackermans (Beth, Charley and Wes) and their friend Carl. The first thing Beth told me when I got into her house was that to help myself to anything I could find, and to ask for what I couldn’t. From then on it was all food, origami, tye-dye and attacks from the meanest bird I have ever met, Merlon. Oh, and we learned lots about Mardi Gras from experts. (The Ackermans used to live in New Orleans) Did you know that it’s a religious holiday?
I also got to witness the beginnings of planning to develop the run-down church across the street into a community center. God basically put this church, conveniently located, into the palm of Common Ground’s hand. This will give them an opportunity to offer more of themselves, and possibly to a larger group of friends. The challenge is, however, how does a community as simple as Common Ground grow into a legal-proof operation? I’m glad you asked! With the help of their new addition, Ms. Lisa (Lawyer). And as well as that process is going, they still have the mountain of grants and budgets to climb, but I am sure God would not give them a building only for it to not work out.
I have learned so much from my week in Shreveport, and made many friends. Too many not to return. I look forward to that day.
Glad you enjoyed your visit to Common Ground, we enjoyed having you! I liked what I read in your blog about us, I think you have it about right. BTW, Merlin says: “Screeech, screech, screeeeech, Hello!”
Beth
Oh Trevor, how I can not wait for both you and Kellee to visit us again! Let me just say that y’all were a breath of fresh air and I lvoe it!!!
*hugs*